WisconsinHumanities.org
Title
Wisconsin Humanities Council
Description
Established in 1972 as an independent affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Wisconsin Humanities Council supports public programs that engage the people of Wisconsin in the exploration of human cultures, ideas, and values. To accomplish its mission, the council awards grants to support programs in libraries, museums, universities, historical societies, schools, and other nonprofit settings throughout the state.
In 1970, the NEH created state affiliates in order to foster local and statewide public humanities programs and to help state residents discuss current public issues from the perspective of the humanities. Today, a mosaic of fifty-six state humanities councils exists (in fifty states, three territories, two commonwealths, and the District of Columbia). State humanities councils are nonprofit, nonpartisan organizations governed by volunteer boards drawn from every geographic part of the areas they serve. Councils receive federal funding from the NEH, which they use to leverage state, individual, corporate, and foundation support at the local level. State councils also extend their federal dollars by forming partnerships with both state and local organizations--WHC, for example, operates through the University of Wisconsin Extension--and in doing so help to build a stronger network among cultural institutions.
The WHC’s twenty five volunteer members hail from all parts of the state. The council seeks members whose experience, training, interests, skills, cultural background, and community ties bring diversity, energy, and expertise to its program. Approximately half of the council's membership is drawn from the academic community and half from the community at large. New members are ordinarily elected to three-year terms at the council's February meeting, and assume office in June.
Languages
English
